JD Vance Calls Selling White House Access 'Disgusting' After Trump Ally Guilfoyle's Sudden Exit

US Vice President JD Vance branded the selling of White House access 'disgusting and despicable' during a town hall in Michigan on Thursday, 15 October, as questions swirled over the abrupt resignation of US ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle.

His comments came after allegations that Guilfoyle had sought $100,000 (approximately £75,000) from a businessman who was seeking help from Trump administration officials, and days after the White House confirmed it had asked her to step down.

The White House said on Tuesday, 13 October, that it had requested Guilfoyle's resignation following reports of alleged misconduct. Guilfoyle later announced her departure and denied the allegations, saying she planned to defend her reputation.

During the event, news anchor Tony Dokoupil questioned Vance about reporting on President Donald Trump's cryptocurrency earnings and the circumstances of Guilfoyle's exit.

The exchange took place during a one-hour CBS town hall in Michigan, scheduled for broadcast on Saturday, 17 October.

JD Vance Condemns Selling White House Access

Dokoupil referred to allegations that Guilfoyle had asked businessman Eric Deters to wire $100,000 (approximately £75,000) to help pay her American Express credit card bill while he was seeking assistance from Trump administration officials. According to an investigation, Deters characterised the alleged arrangement as an exchange of money for access.

Deters told the broadcaster that he never transferred the requested $100,000. Although CBS reviewed messages provided by Deters, the reporting does not establish that White House access was actually sold.

Guilfoyle has denied wrongdoing and disputed the accusations. Her lawyers maintained that the money sought from Deters represented outstanding payments for earlier public appearances, speaking engagements and related services, an explanation Deters has disputed.

Addressing the issue during the town hall, Vance made his position on selling government access clear. 'First of all, if somebody's selling access to the White House, that's disgusting and despicable and they should suffer consequences,' Vance stated.

His use of the word 'if' made the statement conditional rather than a finding that misconduct had occurred. In the exchange, Vance did not conclude that Guilfoyle had sold access to government officials or that the allegations against her had been established.

Vance also declined to make a judgement based solely on media reports. He said, 'I want to make those judgments based on the facts and not based on a random news media report that I read.'

Although Vance said anyone selling White House access should face consequences, he did not identify a specific action against Guilfoyle in the exchange that was published. His remarks indicated that any assessment would depend on the available evidence rather than the allegations alone.

Dokoupil separately raised reports about Trump's cryptocurrency earnings during the interview. Earlier reporting cited substantial cryptocurrency-related income disclosed by the president, who has denied conflicts of interest. Those financial reports were distinct from the allegations involving Guilfoyle and were not presented as proof of misconduct.

JD Vance Asked About Congressional Investigations

The interview also addressed the possibility of increased congressional scrutiny following the US midterm elections on 3 November. Democrats have pledged to investigate the Trump administration if they gain control of either the House of Representatives or the Senate.

Control of either chamber would give Democrats authority over its committees, including the ability to issue subpoenas seeking documents and testimony from administration officials. Such investigations would be subject to the legal powers and procedures governing congressional oversight.

Asked whether the administration would comply with congressional subpoenas, Vance replied, 'Of course I will. Look, I mean, we follow the law.'

His response indicated an intention to comply with legal requirements, although he did not address any specific subpoena or potential dispute over documents. The published exchange also did not explain how the administration would respond to particular requests for information.

The Michigan town hall took place less than three weeks before the midterm elections, when voters will determine control of Congress. The outcome could affect the extent of congressional oversight of the Trump administration during the remainder of its term.

Any future congressional scrutiny would depend on decisions made by lawmakers and the authority of the relevant committees. Vance's remarks did not establish that Guilfoyle would face a congressional investigation, and the allegations against her remain disputed.